The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced a new partnership with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) aimed at intensifying the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The collaboration was confirmed during a courtesy visit by INTERPOL officials to the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, expressed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with INTERPOL. He emphasized that the partnership would enhance global cooperation in crime control and provide a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
“Interpol’s international framework facilitates worldwide police cooperation, making it an invaluable ally in our fight against the common foe of corruption,” Mr. Oparaodu stated.
Leading the INTERPOL team, Dr. Kehinde Oginni, Director of the Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), lauded the ICPC’s participation in the ongoing INTERPOL workshop. He highlighted the workshop’s role in fostering networking and problem-solving among various law enforcement agencies.
Dr. Oginni also revealed that INTERPOL has been working with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, particularly in Nigeria. Thanks to JICA’s funding, 12 Nigerian agencies, including the ICPC, are benefiting from this initiative.
The collaboration with INTERPOL is set to provide the ICPC with access to specialized anti-corruption tools, such as the ‘I427 Communication Network,’ which improves the ability to search for and track persons of interest using global databases. Dr. Oginni emphasized that “INTERPOL is meant to serve the world,” underscoring the global reach of this partnership.
Additionally, INTERPOL has introduced multiple notices to track and flag suspects based on alleged infractions. Dr. Oginni disclosed plans to launch a pilot program of a ‘Silver Notice,’ designed to assist financial agencies in tracing and repatriating stolen funds hidden in various parts of the world.
The announcement was signed by Demola Bakare, fsi, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and Spokesperson for the ICPC.